Relationships among Vitamin D Insufficiency, Health belief, Quality of Life and Metabolic Syndrome in Northeastern Taiwanese Adults: A Cross-sectional Community-based Cohort Study

Abstract

Background The association between vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains unclear. Little information is available regarding the association between the VDI and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the health belief model (HBM). This study aimed to investigate the association between the VDI, HBM, HRQoL, and MetS in community-based Taiwanese adults. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 1015 Taiwanese patients aged ≥ 30 years between August 2019 and December 2021. Sociodemographic data, anthropometric variables, and vitamin D levels, defined as 25 (OH) D concentrations, were acquired from medical records and physical examinations. Data regarding health beliefs and HRQoL were obtained using a questionnaire. Results The mean 25(OH)D concentration was 29.59 ± 10.80 ng/mL and the overall prevalence of VDI was MetS was 54.9%. There was no significant difference in the incidence of MetS between the VDI and sufficiency groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factors associated with VDI development were female sex, age < 65 years, college and above education attainment, high LDL concentration, no alcohol use, and low scores on the emotional role item of HRQoL. There was no association between the VDI and HBM. In people with VDI, age, smoking, education level, blood pressure, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy in the HBM were correlated with HRQoL. Conclusions The VDI was not correlated with MetS incidence or HBM. Risk factors including age, female sex, education level, serum LDL concentration, alcohol use, and role-emotional items of HRQoL could be integrated into health initiative programs to reduce the risk of VDI.